The judge overseeing the federal corruption trial of former state Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. and his son met with jurors today after receiving a note yesterday complaining that one of them refused to deliberate the case.

The judge told all 12 jurors that they have an obligation to try and deliberate the case, and he told attorneys he is leaning toward not dismissing the juror.

The Espadas are accused of embezzling at least $500,000 from their nonprofit Soundview Healthcare Network. Both have denied any wrongdoing.